Finding holiday spirit during the Christmas season in Wisconsin is never a problem. Pretty much everywhere you look, you’ll find a tree, a wreath, or some other symbol of the season.

If you really want to get to the heart of any small-town community, check out their Main Street during Christmas. In addition to beautiful Christmas lights in Wisconsin, you’ll find an abundance of holiday cheer and community. Without further ado, we present some of the best Wisconsin Christmas towns where you’ll be dazzled and charmed by all their Christmas magic.

1. Racine
Racine, WI, USA
Facebook/Downtown Racine
Racine's Main Street lights up each year in early November when the holiday season kicks off with the annual Christmas Parade. Afterward, a colossal tree is lit in the square. For more information, check out the official Racine visitor's website.
2. Wausau
Wausau, WI, USA
Facebook/Wausau River District
Experience charming downtown Wausau at Christmastime and be sure to bring your camera. The merchants do a lot to dress up the street, including this wonderful sleigh that's the perfect spot for taking a holiday picture! For more information on planning your visit, you can check out Wausau online.
3. River Falls Main Street
River Falls, WI 54022, USA
Flickr/c_neuhaus
Main Street in downtown River Falls lights up during the holidays. This historic town was once called Kinnickinnic, followed by Greenwood, and now just River Falls. The name is derived from the falls on the river.
4. Darlington
Darlington, WI 53530, USA
Facebook/Darlington Chamber Main Street
Darlington's historic Main Street really does Christmas in style. Merchants go the extra mile to dress up storefronts. Take a stroll down Main Street and soak up the holiday spirit that's brewing here in Darlington. The Christmas weekend is hosted annually the first Saturday in December and you won't want to miss it!
5. Hartford
Hartford, WI, USA
Downtown Hartford WI/Facebook
Downtown Hartford's annual Holiday Riverwalk starts on the path by the clock on N Main Street. Don't miss this annual celebration of lights.
6. Janesville
Janesville, WI, USA
Facebook/Downtown Janesville, Inc.
This weekend in downtown Janesville is the annual Jolly Jingle featuring tons of fun for the entire family. Look forward to holiday-themed shows on the main stage, carolers, the Christmas tree lighting, and maybe even some snow tubing! Curious to learn more? Check out Janesville Jolly Jingle online for all the details.

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7. Sheboygan Falls
Sheboygan Falls, WI, USA
Facebook/Sheboygan Falls Chamber-Main Street
Historic Sheboygan Falls dresses up for the holidays. Make plans to shop local and to attend the annual Christmas parade. Learn more by visiting the official Sheboygan Falls visitor's website.
8. Rhinelander
Rhinelander, WI 54501, USA
Facebook/Downtown Rhinelander, Inc
Take a holiday window stroll in Rhinelander and have hot cocoa or a hot cup of soup. Shop and dine in historic downtown this holiday season! While you're there, be sure to check out some of the incredible Wisconsin restaurants in town.
9. Wausau's River District
Wausau, WI, USA
Facebook/Wausau River District
And if you just can't get enough of Wausau, head over to the River District where you'll feel like you're on Main Street at Disney during the holidays. Marvel at the canopy of lights overhead and the beautifully adorned store windows at street level. Learn more about why Wausau is considered one of the most charming small towns in Wisconsin.
10. Ripon
Facebook/Ripon, Wisconsin
Ripon, WI 54971, USA
Facebook/Ripon, Wisconsin
The small City of Ripon really knows how to have fun at Christmas. Of course, it's a stunning destination to visit any time of the year. Curious to learn more? Read about how Ripon makes for the perfect weekend getaway destination in Wisconsin.
11. Marshfield
Marshfield, WI, USA
Facebook/Main Street Marshfield
Last, but not least, on our list of the best Christmas lights in Wisconsin is Marshfield. Historic Marshfield's downtown district throws a Christmas celebration beyond imagination where all the store windows are dressed up to the nines for the holidays. Stroll around admiring the creative stylings of the local merchants, make plans to dine out, and include this beautiful main street in your holiday plans this season.

What are some of your favorite places for finding Christmas lights in Wisconsin? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

Can’t get enough of Christmas this year? Take the Christmas lights road trip through Wisconsin that’s nothing short of magical.

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Christmas lights in Wisconsin

Beth C. | November 03, 2021

What is winter in Wisconsin like?

There's no use in sugar-coating it; winter in Wisconsin is cold. Temperatures rarely top 30 degrees F between December and February, and it's common for lows to plummet below freezing. Add to that the potential for a lot of snow (an average of 40 inches in the south and up to 160 inches in Lake Superior Snowbelt) and you're in for quite a chilly ride. That being said, winter in Wisconsin is undeniably magical. If you can embrace the cold weather and snowfall, you'll be dazzled by how beautiful this part of the country really is. Whether you're bundled up and frolicking outside or reading indoors by a cozy fireplace, you'll find that winter in Wisconsin might just be the loveliest season.

Are there any winter trails to hike in Wisconsin?

You bet! While winter isn't the most popular season for hiking in Wisconsin, it can prove to be rewarding in its own right. We've pinpointed some of the best winter hiking trails in Wisconsin where you'll find tons of peace and quiet. Some of our top recommendations include Plafrey's Glen in Merrimac, the Greenbush Recreation Area trails, Lapham Peak, Indian Lake County Park in Cross Plains, Whitetail Meadows Trail in Wyalusing State Park, Chippewa Ice Age Trail in New Auburn, Vilas Park in Madison, Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, Chequamegon National Forest in Rhinelander, Mirror Lake State Park in Baraboo, Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls, Kangaroo Lake State Natural Area, Peninsula State Park in Door County, Blue Mound State Park, and the Lake Superior Ice Caves. Have you explored any of these winter-friendly destinations in Wisconsin?

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